Bloodstained adds Jake Kaufman and retro tracks to its soundtrack

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night from former Castlevania producer Koji Igarashi has raised some 2.5M USD on Kickstarter and smashed its goals. Described as “a gothic, exploration-focused action platformer”, the game is a spiritual successor to the Castlevania series. Inti Creates, currently wrapping up their work on crowdfunded Mega Man successor Mighty No. 9, is developing the 2.5D game under the lead of Igarashi.

The game’s score will blend orchestral, contemporary, and retro elements into an intoxicating mix. The music is being handled by three legendary composers: Castlevania veteran Michiru Yamane, Inti Creates sound director Ippo Yamada, and Western chiptuner Jake Kaufman (aka Virt). Kaufman’s involvement in the project was announced today. Having previously scored titles such as Bloodrayne: Betrayal and Shovel Knight, there is little doubt that he will be a perfect fit for the team.

The latest stretch goals for the game are classic 8-bit tracks for the game’s six Classic Mode stages from Yamane, Yamada, and Kaufman. The organisers note “These songs will be new compositions — not remixes — which should complement each of the six Classic Mode stages quite nicely”.

Those who pledge 28 USD or more are eligible to receive a copy of the game. However, backers will have to pay much more to receive the soundtrack: 100 USD or more for a digital soundtrack, 300 USD or more for a physical soundtrack signed by Yamane.

Posted on May 22, 2015 by Chris Greening. Last modified on May 22, 2015.

About the Author

Chris Greening I've contributed to websites related to game audio since 2002. In this time, I've reviewed over a thousand albums and interviewed hundreds of musicians across the world. As the founder and webmaster of VGMO -Video Game Music Online-, I hope to create a cutting-edge, journalistic resource for all those soundtrack enthusiasts out there. In the process, I would love to further cultivate my passion for music, writing, and generally building things. Please enjoy the site and don't hesitate to say hello!